For me, I like to outline my idea. That way I can do research as I go, throw out those parts that don't work right and re-arrange the ideas to make a logical flow of content. I use 3x5 cards (sometime 5x8) for my outline. They usually work not only for the outline, but for character interviews. They help me keep track of the players in the story.
Another thing I've tried lately is using a mini-recorder. I tape my thoughts about a story at different times during the day. This works to catch subtle ideas that I wouldn't necessarily see when I'm working at writing them down on paper. When I play the recorder back I can also develop new plot ideas and new twists and turns while I'm listening. This has helped me on my latest story idea, a sequel to my new novel Galaxy Nomads: Chronicles of the MacKenzie Clan.
How do you begin a story? What tricks of the trade do you like best? Can you add your own ideas to these?
Not a novelist, but it never ceases to amaze me when I hear what struggles authors go through. Before I started blogging and getting to know lots of authors, I naively thought you just sat down, wrote a book, maybe got someone to edit it, published it and that was that. Was I wrong. Trouble is I don't suppose I was alone.
ReplyDeleteJo: You have an inside look at what authors go through. I'm sure it makes you appreciate the finished product even more.
DeleteLove the mini-recorder idea. Now I just wish there was an equivalent for the visual arts, ha ha! Can't tell you how many times I've drifted off to sleep "painting" an idea, only to have it POOF evaporate by morning. :-D
ReplyDeleteRetta: I keep it by my bed so its there for those night time journeys.
DeleteI do character sheets before starting and a brief outline. Lately I've been using a sprint journal and it really speeds up my writing.
ReplyDeleteSusan: It sounds like a character sheet is much like the character interview that I do. I'm not familiar with a sprint journal.
DeleteI jot the idea in my idea journal if it's faint. I'll do some research. When I feel the AHA, I'll work on an outline. I'm more organized than I used to be.
ReplyDeleteMary: I like the idea of having a separate idea journal. My ideas are jotted down wherever I happen to grab a scrap of paper. Ugh! Need more organization!
DeleteI'm a pantser. Most of the time, I have characters that come to me in my head. Sometimes with a story or with a scene. If not, I play out a few scenarios in my mind to see what suits them. Then I just start writing from there. :)
ReplyDeleteChristine: I think it's great that you're able to organize your thoughts so well. Some are able to do that and some need to write it out first. Good for you!
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